1
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Chen Y, Zhang F, Sun J, Zhang L. Identifying the natural products in the treatment of atherosclerosis by increasing HDL-C level based on bioinformatics analysis, molecular docking, and in vitro experiment. J Transl Med 2023; 21:920. [PMID: 38115108 PMCID: PMC10729509 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04755-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have demonstrated that high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) plays an anti-atherosclerosis role through reverse cholesterol transport. Several studies have validated the efficacy and safety of natural products in treating atherosclerosis (AS). However, the study of raising HDL-C levels through natural products to treat AS still needs to be explored. METHODS The gene sets associated with AS were collected and identified by differential gene analysis and database query. By constructing a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, the core submodules in the network are screened out. At the same time, by calculating node importance (Nim) in the PPI network of AS disease and combining it with Kyoto Encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathways enrichment analysis, the key target proteins of AS were obtained. Molecular docking is used to screen out small natural drug molecules with potential therapeutic effects. By constructing an in vitro foam cell model, the effects of small molecules on lipid metabolism and key target expression of foam cells were investigated. RESULTS By differential gene analysis, 451 differential genes were obtained, and a total of 313 disease genes were obtained from 6 kind of databases, then 758 AS-related genes were obtained. The enrichment analysis of the KEGG pathway showed that the enhancement of HDL-C level against AS was related to Lipid and atherosclerosis, Cholesterol metabolism, Fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, PPAR signaling pathway, and other pathways. Then we intersected 31 genes in the core module of the PPI network, the top 30 genes in Nims, and 32 genes in the cholesterol metabolism pathway, and finally found 3 genes. After the above analysis and literature collection, we focused on the following three related gene targets: APOA1, LIPC, and CETP. Molecular docking showed that Genistein has a good binding affinity for APOA1, CETP, and LIPC. In vitro, experiments showed that Genistein can up-regulated APOA1, LIPC, and CETP levels. CONCLUSIONS Based on our research, Genistein may have the effects of regulating HDL-C and anti-atherosclerosis. Its mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of LIPC, CETP, and APOA1 to improve lipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Chen
- Shanghai Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Service, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fengwei Zhang
- Shanghai Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Service, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jijia Sun
- Department of Mathematics and Physics, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Lei Zhang
- Shanghai Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Service, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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2
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Troncoso MF, Díaz-Vesga MC, Sanhueza-Olivares F, Riquelme JA, Müller M, Garrido L, Gabrielli L, Chiong M, Corbalan R, Castro PF, Lavandero S. Targeting VCAM-1: a therapeutic opportunity for vascular damage. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:207-223. [PMID: 36880349 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2187778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1) is a transmembrane sialoglycoprotein detected in activated endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells involved in the adhesion and transmigration of inflammatory cells into damaged tissue. Widely used as a pro-inflammatory marker, its potential role as a targeting molecule has not been thoroughly explored. AREAS COVERED We discuss the current evidence supporting the potential targeting of VCAM-1 in atherosclerosis, diabetes, hypertension and ischemia/reperfusion injury. EXPERT OPINION There is emerging evidence that VCAM-1 is more than a biomarker and may be a promising therapeutic target for vascular diseases. While there are neutralizing antibodies that allow preclinical research, the development of pharmacological tools to activate or inhibit this protein are required to thoroughly assess its therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayarling F Troncoso
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas & Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Escuela de Tecnología Médica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Magda C Díaz-Vesga
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas & Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Departamento de Ciencias Básicas de la Salud, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana de Cali, Cali, Colombia
| | - Fernanda Sanhueza-Olivares
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas & Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jaime A Riquelme
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas & Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Marioly Müller
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas & Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Departamento de Tecnología Médica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Luis Garrido
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Luigi Gabrielli
- Division Surgery, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mario Chiong
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas & Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ramon Corbalan
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas & Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo F Castro
- Division Surgery, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sergio Lavandero
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas & Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Department of Internal Medicine (Cardiology Division), University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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3
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Tan Q, He S, Leng X, Zheng D, Mao F, Hao J, Chen K, Jiang H, Lin Y, Yang J. The Mechanism and Role of N6-Methyladenosine (m 6A) Modification in Atherosclerosis and Atherosclerotic Diseases. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2022; 9:367. [PMID: 36354766 PMCID: PMC9697759 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd9110367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is a newly discovered regulatory mechanism in eukaryotes. As one of the most common epigenetic mechanisms, m6A's role in the development of atherosclerosis (AS) and atherosclerotic diseases (AD) has also received increasing attention. Herein, we elucidate the effect of m6A on major risk factors for AS, including lipid metabolism disorders, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. We also describe how m6A methylation contributes to endothelial cell injury, macrophage response, inflammation, and smooth muscle cell response in AS and AD. Subsequently, we illustrate the m6A-mediated aberrant biological role in the pathogenesis of AS and AD, and analyze the levels of m6A methylation in peripheral blood or local tissues of AS and AD, which helps to further discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of m6A regulation for AS and AD. In summary, studies on m6A methylation provide new insights into the pathophysiologic mechanisms of AS and AD, and m6A methylation could be a novel diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for AS and AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quandan Tan
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Song He
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Xinyi Leng
- Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Danni Zheng
- Biomedical Informatics and Digital Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Fengkai Mao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Junli Hao
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Kejie Chen
- School of Public Health, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Haisong Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Yapeng Lin
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610072, China
- International Clinical Research Center, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
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4
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Li M, Yun W, Wang G, Li A, Gao J, He Q. Roles and mechanisms of garlic and its extracts on atherosclerosis: A review. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:954938. [PMID: 36263122 PMCID: PMC9574545 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.954938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have achieved initial results, but the number of CVDs patients will increase rapidly in the next 10 years. Atherosclerosis (AS) is a significant risk factor for CVDs. The impact of lifestyle and daily diet varies considerably between different countries and continents and has been shown to affect the development of various diseases such as diabetes and CVDs. Primary and secondary prevention using alternative supplements and methods to avoid or reduce the use of traditional pharmacological drugs have also become popular. One of the reasons for this is that pharmacological drugs with lipid-lowering, and blood pressure-lowering effects cause many side effects that may negatively impact the quality of life. Patients are now emphasizing reliance on lifestyle changes to reduce cardiovascular risks. Garlic is a medicinal and edible plant that has been used for a long time. In order to reveal garlic application in the prevention and treatment of AS, reviewing the latest domestic and international studies through searching databases. The result shows that the antiatherogenic role of garlic is eximious. And the mechanisms are mainly related to hypolipidemic, antioxidant, antithrombotic, inhibiting angiogenesis, protecting endothelial cells, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, inhibiting vascular smooth muscle proliferation, and regulating gut microbiota. The main signaling pathways involve AMPK/TLRs, Keap1/Nrf2, PI3K/AKT, PPARγ/LXRα, GEF-H1/RhoA/Rac, etc. The antiatherogenic actions and molecular mechanism of garlic were reviewed in this study to obtain a robust evidence basis for the clinical application and mechanistic study and provide a theoretical basis for further utilization of garlic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Li
- Department of Cardiology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wingyan Yun
- Department of Cardiology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Clinical Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Guibin Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Anqi Li
- Department of Cardiology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Clinical Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Gao
- Department of Cardiology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Clinical Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Qingyong He
- Department of Cardiology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Qingyong He,
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5
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The Traditional Chinese Medicine Hua Tuo Zai Zao Wan Alleviates Atherosclerosis by Deactivation of Inflammatory Macrophages. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:2200662. [PMID: 35388302 PMCID: PMC8979684 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2200662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Positive effects have been observed when the traditional Chinese medicine Hua Tuo Zai Zao Wan (HTZZW) has been used for the treatment of atherosclerosis (AS), although with an unclear mechanism. Methods ApoE-/- C57/BALB mice were used to determine the efficacy of HTZZW by blood lipid biochemical analysis and histopathology H&E staining. qPCR and western blot were used to determine the expression of METTL3/14 and NF-κB. Results High-fat diet-fed ApoE-/- mice that consumed HTZZW exhibited significantly smaller plaque areas and significantly decreased unstable collagen areas in the aortic arch as well as significantly lower blood levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol compared with the control group. Consumption of HTZZW significantly decreased the proportion of Mφ1 in the peripheral blood. HTZZW not only inhibited the expression of m6A methyltransferases METTL14, METTL3, and overall RNA methylation level, but it also decreased the m6A modification level on specific sites of NF-κB mRNA. Conclusion HTZZW significantly alleviated the progression of AS by regulating the expression of the m6A methyltransferases METTL14 and METTL3 in macrophages, eliminating m6A modifications of NF-κB mRNA, influencing the stability of NF-κB mRNA, and ultimately resulting in the deactivation of inflammatory macrophages.
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Targeting Reactive Oxygen Species in Atherosclerosis via Chinese Herbal Medicines. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:1852330. [PMID: 35047104 PMCID: PMC8763505 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1852330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cardio-cerebrovascular disease (CCVD) has become the leading cause of human mortality with the coming acceleration of global population aging. Atherosclerosis is among the most common pathological changes in CCVDs. It is also a multifactorial disorder; oxidative stress caused by excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has become an important mechanism of atherosclerosis. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is a major type of natural medicine that has made great contributions to human health. CHMs are increasingly used in the auxiliary clinical treatment of atherosclerosis. Although their mechanism of action is unclear, CHMs can exert a variety of antiatherosclerosis effects by regulating intracellular ROS. In this review, we discussed the mechanism of ROS regulation in atherosclerosis and analyzed the role of CHMs in the treatment of atherosclerosis via ROS.
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7
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Li Y, Zhang Z, Li S, Yu T, Jia Z. Therapeutic Effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Cardiovascular Diseases: the Central Role of Calcium Signaling. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:682273. [PMID: 34305595 PMCID: PMC8299363 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.682273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcium, as a second messenger, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The malfunction of calcium signaling in endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells promotes hypertension. In cardiomyocytes, calcium overload induces apoptosis, leading to myocardial infarction and arrhythmias. Moreover, the calcium–calcineurin–nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) pathway is essential for expressing the cardiac pro-hypertrophic gene. Heart failure is also characterized by reduced calcium transient amplitude and enhanced sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium leakage. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used to treat CVDs for thousands of years in China. Because of its multicomponent and multitarget characteristics, TCM's unique advantages in CVD treatment are closely related to the modulation of multiple calcium handling proteins and calcium signaling pathways in different types of cells involved in distinct CVDs. Thus, we systematically review the diverse mechanisms of TCM in regulating calcium pathways to treat various types of CVDs, ranging from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy to diabetic heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Li
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhang Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Sen Li
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoqi Jia
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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8
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Chávez-Castillo M, Ortega Á, Duran P, Pirela D, Marquina M, Cano C, Salazar J, Gonzalez MC, Bermúdez V, Rojas-Quintero J, Velasco M. Phytotherapy for Cardiovascular Disease: A Bench-to-Bedside Approach. Curr Pharm Des 2021; 26:4410-4429. [PMID: 32310044 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200420160422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
At present, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and global trends suggest that this panorama will persist or worsen in the near future. Thus, optimization of treatment strategies and the introduction of novel therapeutic alternatives for CVD represent key objectives in contemporary biomedical research. In recent years, phytotherapy-defined as the therapeutic use of whole or minimally modified plant components-has ignited large scientific interest, with a resurgence of abundant investigation on a wide array of medicinal herbs (MH) for CVD and other conditions. Numerous MH have been observed to intervene in the pathophysiology of CVD via a myriad of molecular mechanisms, including antiinflammatory, anti-oxidant, and other beneficial properties, which translate into the amelioration of three essential aspects of the pathogenesis of CVD: Dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, and hypertension. Although the preclinical data in this scenario is very rich, the true clinical impact of MH and their purported mechanisms of action is less clear, as large-scale robust research in this regard is in relatively early stages and faces important methodological challenges. This review offers a comprehensive look at the most prominent preclinical and clinical evidence currently available concerning the use of MH in the treatment of CVD from a bench-to-bedside approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mervin Chávez-Castillo
- Psychiatric Hospital of Maracaibo, Maracaibo, Venezuela,Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela
| | - Ángel Ortega
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela
| | - Pablo Duran
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela
| | - Daniela Pirela
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela
| | - María Marquina
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela
| | - Climaco Cano
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela
| | - Juan Salazar
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela
| | | | - Valmore Bermúdez
- Universidad Simón Bolívar, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Joselyn Rojas-Quintero
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Department, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Manuel Velasco
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, School of Medicine José María Vargas, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas,
Venezuela
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Lee AY, Lee JY, Chun JM. Exploring the Mechanism of Gyejibokryeong-hwan against Atherosclerosis Using Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking. PLANTS 2020; 9:plants9121750. [PMID: 33321972 PMCID: PMC7764045 DOI: 10.3390/plants9121750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Gyejibokryeong-hwan (GBH) is a traditional formula comprised of five herbal medicines that is frequently used to treat blood stasis and related complex multifactorial disorders such as atherosclerosis. The present study used network pharmacology and molecular docking simulations to clarify the effect and mechanism of the components of GBH. Active compounds were selected using Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System (OASIS) and the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), and target genes linked to the selected components were retrieved using Search Tool for Interacting Chemicals (STITCH) and GeneCards. Functional analysis of potential target genes was performed through the Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) database and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway, and molecular docking confirmed the correlation between five core compounds (quercetin, kaempferol, baicalein, ellagic acid, and baicalin) and six potential target genes (AKT1, CASP3, MAPK1, MAPK3, NOS2, and PTGS2). Molecular docking studies indicated that quercetin strongly interacted with six potential target proteins. Thus, these potential target proteins were closely related to TNF, HIF-1, FoxO, and PI3K-Akt signal pathways, suggesting that these factors and pathways may mediate the beneficial effects of GBH on atherosclerosis. Our results identify target genes and pathways that may mediate the clinical effects of the compounds contained within GBH on atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Yeong Lee
- Herbal Medicine Resources Research Center, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Naju-si 58245, Korea;
| | - Joo-Youn Lee
- Therapeutics and Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Korea;
| | - Jin Mi Chun
- Herbal Medicine Resources Research Center, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Naju-si 58245, Korea;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-613-387-130
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10
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Li Q, Wang H, Zhang C, Tong R, Chen H, Qie R. Ethyl acetate extract of sappanwood alleviates experimental atherosclerosis in rats through changes in FGF21 and SREBP-2 expression. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2020; 13:220-229. [PMID: 32211102 PMCID: PMC7061805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Sappanwood extract shows promising effects against atherosclerosis. The fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2) are involved in atherosclerosis development. This study aimed to examine whether sappanwood ethyl acetate extract (SEAE) alleviates experimental atherosclerosis in rats through FGF21/SREBP-2 signaling. Rats were randomized to six groups (n=10/group): blank control, model, simvastatin (positive control, 4.2 mg/kg/d), and SEAE high-, medium-, and low-dose (2.30, 1.15, and 0.575 g/kg/d, respectively). The high-fat- and vitamin D3-induced rodent model of atherosclerosis was created (except in the blank control group). Aorta and liver underwent histopathologic examination. SREPB-2 and FGF21 expression levels were examined by real-time RT-PCR and western blot. Compared with the blank control group, the model group showed aortic and hepatic histopathology compatible with the development of atherosclerosis due to a high-fat diet. In addition, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were elevated (all P<0.05). SREBP2 expression was high, and FGF21 expression was low (both P<0.05). Compared with the model group, SEAE alleviated the changes in liver and aorta by histopathology and decreased total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-C (all P<0.05), especially in the medium-, and high-dose groups. In addition, medium-dose SEAE increased FGF21 levels (mRNA: +296%; protein: +69%; P<0.05) and decreased SREBP2 levels (mRNA: -44%; protein: -77%; P<0.05). Simvastatin, as the positive control, had similar effects to those of SEAE. In conclusion, SEAE improves lipid metabolism and alleviates atherosclerosis through changes in FGF21 and SREBP-2 expression levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Li
- The First Hospital Affiliated to Heilongjing University of Chinese MedicineHarbin 150001, China
| | - He Wang
- The First Hospital Affiliated to Heilongjing University of Chinese MedicineHarbin 150001, China
| | - Chunfang Zhang
- The First Hospital Affiliated to Heilongjing University of Chinese MedicineHarbin 150001, China
| | - Rui Tong
- The First Hospital Affiliated to Heilongjing University of Chinese MedicineHarbin 150001, China
| | - Huijun Chen
- The Second Hospital Affiliated to Heilongjing University of Chinese MedicineHarbin 150001, China
| | - Rui Qie
- The First Hospital Affiliated to Heilongjing University of Chinese MedicineHarbin 150001, China
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11
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Malekmohammad K, Sewell RDE, Rafieian-Kopaei M. Antioxidants and Atherosclerosis: Mechanistic Aspects. Biomolecules 2019; 9:E301. [PMID: 31349600 PMCID: PMC6722928 DOI: 10.3390/biom9080301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 07/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease which is a major cause of coronary heart disease and stroke in humans. It is characterized by intimal plaques and cholesterol accumulation in arterial walls. The side effects of currently prescribed synthetic drugs and their high cost in the treatment of atherosclerosis has prompted the use of alternative herbal medicines, dietary supplements, and antioxidants associated with fewer adverse effects for the treatment of atherosclerosis. This article aims to present the activity mechanisms of antioxidants on atherosclerosis along with a review of the most prevalent medicinal plants employed against this multifactorial disease. The wide-ranging information in this review article was obtained from scientific databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct and Google Scholar. Natural and synthetic antioxidants have a crucial role in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis through different mechanisms. These include: The inhibition of low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, the reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, the inhibition of cytokine secretion, the prevention of atherosclerotic plaque formation and platelet aggregation, the preclusion of mononuclear cell infiltration, the improvement of endothelial dysfunction and vasodilation, the augmentation of nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, the modulation of the expression of adhesion molecules such as vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) on endothelial cells, and the suppression of foam cell formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khojasteh Malekmohammad
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord 8818634141, Iran
| | - Robert D E Sewell
- Cardiff School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3NB, UK
| | - Mahmoud Rafieian-Kopaei
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord 8813833435, Iran.
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12
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Wang Y, Wang Q, Li C, Lu L, Zhang Q, Zhu R, Wang W. A Review of Chinese Herbal Medicine for the Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure. Curr Pharm Des 2019; 23:5115-5124. [PMID: 28950815 PMCID: PMC6340156 DOI: 10.2174/1381612823666170925163427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Heart failure is one of the major causes of mortality worldwide and it is the end stage of sev-eral cardiovascular diseases. Traditional Chinese medicine has been used in the management of heart failure for a long time. Only until recently, well-designed clinical trials have been put into practice to study the efficacies of Chinese herbs. Extensive studies have also been carried out to explore the under-lying mechanisms of pharmaceutical actions of Chinese herbs. In this study, we will summarize the frequently used Chinese herbs, formulae and patent Chinese drugs in treating patients with heart failure and review published clinical evaluations of Chinese herbs in treating cardiovascular diseases. The mechanisms by which Chinese herbs exert cardio-protective effects will also be reviewed. In the end, we will point out the limitations of current studies and challenges facing modernization of traditional Chi-nese medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Qiyan Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Chun Li
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Linghui Lu
- Basic Medical College, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Ruixin Zhu
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.,School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian 116600, Liaoning, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Basic Medical College, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
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Huang XF, Zhang SZ, You YY, Zhang N, Lu H, Daugherty A, Xie XJ. Ginkgo biloba extracts prevent aortic rupture in angiotensin II-infused hypercholesterolemic mice. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2019; 40:192-198. [PMID: 29777203 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-018-0017-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2017] [Accepted: 02/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are a chronic vascular disease characterized by pathological luminal dilation. Aortic rupture is the fatal consequence of AAAs. Ginkgo biloba extracts (GBEs), a natural herb extract widely used as food supplements, drugs, and cosmetics, has been reported to suppress development of calcium chloride-induced AAAs in mice. Calcium chloride-induced AAAs do not rupture, while angiotensin II (AngII)-induced AAAs in mice have high rate of aortic rupture, implicating potentially different mechanisms from calcium chloride-induced AAAs. This study aimed to determine whether GBE would improve aortic dilation and rupture rate of AngII-induced AAAs. Male apolipoprotein E (apoE) -/- mice were infused with AngII and administered either GBE or its major active ingredients, flavonoids and ginkgolides, individually or in combination. To determine the effects of GBE in mice with established AAAs, male apoE-/- mice were firstly infused with AngII for 28 days to develop AAAs, and then administered either GBE or vehicle in mice with established AAAs, which were continuously infused with AngII for another 56 days. GBE, but not the two major active components separately or synergistically, prevented aortic rupture, but not aortic dilation. The protection of GBE from aortic rupture was independent of systolic blood pressure, lipid, and inflammation. GBE also did not attenuate either aortic rupture or progressive aortic dilation in mice with established AAAs. GBE did not reduce the atherosclerotic lesion areas, either. In conclusion, GBE prevents aortic rupture in AngII-infused hypercholesterolemic mice, but only in the early phase of the disease development.
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Yang K, Luo Y, Lu S, Hu R, Du Y, Liao P, Sun G, Sun X. Salvianolic Acid B and Ginsenoside Re Synergistically Protect Against Ox-LDL-Induced Endothelial Apoptosis Through the Antioxidative and Antiinflammatory Mechanisms. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:662. [PMID: 29973885 PMCID: PMC6019702 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Salvianolic acid B (SalB) and ginsenoside Re (Re) protect endotheliocytes against apoptosis through different mechanisms. However, whether both compounds could synergistically protect endothelial cells against oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL)-induced apoptosis is unclear. This study aimed to assess the protective effect of combined SalB and Re (SR) treatment on Ox-LDL-induced endothelial apoptosis and to explore the mechanism underlying this effect. Results showed that SalB, Re, or SR could protect against Ox-LDL-induced endothelial apoptosis. Furthermore, the composition of SR was optimized through central composite design with response surface methodology. SR with a composition of 60 μg/mL of SalB and 120 μg/mL of Re exerted the optimal protective effect. Network pharmacology research revealed that SalB and Re in SR synergistically protect against Ox-LDL-induced endothelial apoptosis by regulating oxidative stress and phlogistic pathways. In vitro experiments confirmed these results. Compared with the same dose of SalB or Re alone, SR significantly decreased the contents of inflammatory mediators and increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes. SR could synergistically restore the balanced redox state of the cells and inhibit the activation of nuclear transcription factor kappa B and the caspase cascade by activating the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B pathway and inhibiting the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. These pathways are regulated by down-regulating the expression of lectin-like Ox-LDL receptor-1 and NADPH oxidase and up-regulating the expression of estrogen receptor alpha. Therefore, SR effectively prevents Ox-LDL-induced endothelial apoptosis through antioxidative and antiinflammatory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Zhongguancun Open Laboratory of the Research and Development of Natural Medicine and Health Products, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Efficacy Evaluation of Chinese Medicine against Glycolipid Metabolic Disorders, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Luo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Zhongguancun Open Laboratory of the Research and Development of Natural Medicine and Health Products, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Efficacy Evaluation of Chinese Medicine against Glycolipid Metabolic Disorders, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shan Lu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Zhongguancun Open Laboratory of the Research and Development of Natural Medicine and Health Products, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Efficacy Evaluation of Chinese Medicine against Glycolipid Metabolic Disorders, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ruifeng Hu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Zhongguancun Open Laboratory of the Research and Development of Natural Medicine and Health Products, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Efficacy Evaluation of Chinese Medicine against Glycolipid Metabolic Disorders, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yuyang Du
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Zhongguancun Open Laboratory of the Research and Development of Natural Medicine and Health Products, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Efficacy Evaluation of Chinese Medicine against Glycolipid Metabolic Disorders, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Liao
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Hospital of Ningxiang County People, Changsha, China
| | - Guibo Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Zhongguancun Open Laboratory of the Research and Development of Natural Medicine and Health Products, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Efficacy Evaluation of Chinese Medicine against Glycolipid Metabolic Disorders, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaobo Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Zhongguancun Open Laboratory of the Research and Development of Natural Medicine and Health Products, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Efficacy Evaluation of Chinese Medicine against Glycolipid Metabolic Disorders, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Bushenkangshuai Tablet Reduces Atherosclerotic Lesion by Improving Blood Lipids Metabolism and Inhibiting Inflammatory Response via TLR4 and NF- κB Signaling Pathway. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 2018:1758383. [PMID: 29619063 PMCID: PMC5829360 DOI: 10.1155/2018/1758383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Bushenkangshuai tablet (BSKS) is a Chinese herbal compound which has been used for the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in China for decades. This study intends to explore the molecular mechanism of BSKS against atherosclerosis in ApoE−/− mice. ApoE−/− mice were fed with western-type diet for 6 weeks and then were given BSKS for 6 weeks. The results showed that BSKS attenuated the size of the atherosclerotic lesion, reduced visceral adipose content, and decreased blood lipids. We also found that BSKS promoted the expression of adiponectin and its receptors, inhibited the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 and nuclear factor-kappa B, decreased the levels of interleukin-1 beta, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and increased the levels of interleukin-10 and adiponectin. Our data provided evidence that BSKS exerted an antiatherosclerotic effect by lowering blood lipids and inhibiting inflammatory response via TLR4 and NF-κB signaling pathway.
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Owoicho Orgah J, Wang M, Yang X, Wang Z, Wang D, Zhang Q, Fan G, Han J, Qin G, Gao X, Zhu Y. Danhong Injection Protects Against Hypertension-Induced Renal Injury Via Down-Regulation of Myoglobin Expression in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats. Kidney Blood Press Res 2018; 43:12-24. [PMID: 29393225 DOI: 10.1159/000486735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS High blood pressure is a major risk factor for chronic kidney disease. Currently, single-target anti-hypertensive drugs are not designed for high blood pressure-related organ damages. Danhong injection (DHI), made from the aqueous extracts of Radix Salviae miltiorrhizae and Flos Carthamus tinctorius, has various pharmacological effects, including BP lowering in SHR, mediated by the reduction of vascular remodeling and the up-regulation of Kallikrein-kinin system published recently by our team, yet if it renders renal protection remains unknown. The current study demonstrated a protective role of DHI in renal injury caused by hypertension and identified its molecular targets in the kidney of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). METHODS Adult SHR and age/gender-matched normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were treated with DHI, Losartan, or saline for 4 weeks. Serum levels of Creatinine (CRE), Micro-albumin (mAlb), Beta2-microglobulin (β2-MG), and Uric acid (UA) were detected using ELISA kits. Renal pathology was examined by hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) stains. Microarray analysis was performed on kidney tissues, and gene expression changes were validated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analyses. RESULTS Renal histopathological scores showed that SHR exhibited serious kidney injury compared to normotensive WKY rats. The intervention with DHI potently suppressed the renal injury biomarker (KIM-1) and kidney lesions compared to the untreated hypertensive subjects. Microarray analysis revealed that among the 124 genes that were differentially expressed by DHI treatment in SHR kidney, down-regulation of renal myoglobin (Mb) gene was the most prominent and was subsequently confirmed by qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis. CONCLUSION Hypertension-induced renal injury in SHR may be alleviated by DHI in part by local suppression of Kidney injury molecule-1 and down-regulation of Myoglobin. However, if this effect is independent of the known anti-hypertensive action of DHI in blood vessel remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Owoicho Orgah
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Research and Development Center of TCM, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology & Medicine, TEDA, Tianjin, China
| | - Miao Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Research and Development Center of TCM, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology & Medicine, TEDA, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaohu Yang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Research and Development Center of TCM, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology & Medicine, TEDA, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhilong Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Research and Development Center of TCM, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology & Medicine, TEDA, Tianjin, China
| | - Dandan Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Research and Development Center of TCM, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology & Medicine, TEDA, Tianjin, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Research and Development Center of TCM, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology & Medicine, TEDA, Tianjin, China
| | - Guanwei Fan
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jihong Han
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Gangjian Qin
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Research and Development Center of TCM, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology & Medicine, TEDA, Tianjin, China.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine & School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Xiumei Gao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yan Zhu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Research and Development Center of TCM, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology & Medicine, TEDA, Tianjin, China
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17
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Huang X, Wu H, Wang L, Zheng L, Zhao J. Protective effects of baicalin on rabbit articular chondrocytes in vitro. Exp Ther Med 2017; 13:1267-1274. [PMID: 28413465 PMCID: PMC5377289 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.4116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug therapy is one of the typical treatments for post-injury inflammation of cartilage. Traditional Chinese herbs have potential as treatments, as their long history of clinical application has demonstrated they are effective and induce minimal side effects. Baicalin is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been used to treat inflammation, fever, ulcers and cancer for hundreds of years. Previous studies have demonstrated that baicalin may decrease levels of interleukin-1β and suppress the expression of type-I collagen, thus attenuating cartilage degeneration. In the present study, the effect of baicalin on chondrocytes was assessed by examining the morphology, proliferation, extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and cartilage-specific gene expression of chondrocytes. The results indicated that baicalin may promote the proliferation of articular chondrocytes, secretion of cartilage ECM and collagen type II, aggrecan and SRY box (Sox) 9 gene upregulation. The expression of collagen I, a marker of chondrocyte dedifferentiation, was downregulated by baicalin; therefore, baicalin may maintain the phenotype of chondrocytes. Within the recommended concentrations of baicalin ranging from 0.625-6.25 µmol/l cell proliferation was increased and a 1.25 µmol/l dose of baicalin exerted the most positive effect on articular chondrocytes. The results of the present study may therefore indicate that baicalin may be used as a novel agent promoting the repair of articular cartilage damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianyuan Huang
- Guangxi Engineering Center in Biomedical Materials for Tissue and Organ Regeneration, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
- The Medical and Scientific Research Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Huayu Wu
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Premedical Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Liqin Wang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, P.R. China
| | - Li Zheng
- Guangxi Engineering Center in Biomedical Materials for Tissue and Organ Regeneration, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
- The Medical and Scientific Research Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Jinmin Zhao
- Guangxi Engineering Center in Biomedical Materials for Tissue and Organ Regeneration, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
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Xiaoxianggou attenuates atherosclerotic plaque formation in endogenous high Ang II ApoE(-/-) mice via the inhibition of miR-203 on the expression of Ets-2 in endothelial cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2016; 82:173-9. [PMID: 27470353 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2016.04.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Revised: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atherosclerosis is a chronic immune-inflammatory disorder and one of the leading causes responsible for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Traditional Chinese medicine treatment with multi-targets has shown prospects for the therapeutic effect on atherosclerosis. Thus, this study aims to investigate whether xiaoxianggou has benefit for reducing the atherosclerotic plaque area in endogenous high Ang II ApoE(-/-) mice and investigated the underlying mechanisms. METHODS Endogenous high Ang II ApoE(-/-) mice model was generated by using two kidney one clip (2K1C). All mice were treated by intragastric administration with xiaoxianggou two times a week for 16 weeks. En face plaque area was analyzed by oil-red O staining. Serum anti-OxLDL antibodies were measured by ELISA assay. Expression of miR-203 and Ets-2 were evaluated using qRT-RCR and western blotting analysis, respectively. RESULTS This study revealed that xiaoxianggou treatment dose-dependently reduced the atherosclerotic plaque area and serum autoantibodies against oxLDL, elevated miR-203 expression and reduced Ets-2 expression in endogenous high Ang II ApoE(-/-) mice. In primary arterial ECs, Xiaoxianggou reverses the reduced miR-203 expression and the elevated Ets-2 expression induced by AngII, which was further recovered by miR-203 inhibitor. Additionally, miR-203 regulated the expression of Ets-2 by targeting Ets-2-3' UTR. Moreover, miR-203 inhibitor reversed the reduction of atherosclerotic lesion area induced by Xiaoxianggou. CONCLUSIONS These findings present that xiaoxianggou plays an anti-atherosclerotic role in endogenous high Ang II ApoE(-/-) mice model, which is partly due to its antioxidant actions against atherosclerosis and the inhibition of miR-203 on the expression of Ets-2 in endothelial cells.
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Puerarin Inhibits oxLDL-Induced Macrophage Activation and Foam Cell Formation in Human THP1 Macrophage. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:403616. [PMID: 26576421 PMCID: PMC4631854 DOI: 10.1155/2015/403616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Revised: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 10/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Puerarin, an isoflavone derived from Kudzu roots, has been widely used for treatment of cardiovascular and cerebral vascular diseases in China and other Asian countries. However, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. The present study investigated whether puerarin inhibited atherogenic lipid oxLDL-mediated macrophage activation and foam cell formation in human THP1 macrophage. Treatment with oxLDL significantly increased the mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα, 160%) and interleukin (IL) 1β (13 fold) accompanied by upregulation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4, 165%) and the ratio of phospho-IκBα/IκBα in THP1 macrophage. Puerarin dose-dependently prevented an increase in oxLDL-induced proinflammatory gene expression with downregulation of TLR4 and the ratio of phospho-IκBα/IκBα. Furthermore, puerarin prevented oxLDL-mediated lipid deposition and foam cell formation associated with downregulation of scavenger receptor CD36. Flow cytometry analysis showed that puerarin reduced the number of early apoptotic cells of macrophages induced by oxLDL. Our results show that puerarin has anti-inflammatory and antiatherogenic effects in vitro; the underlying mechanisms may involve the inhibition of TLR4/NFκB pathway and downregulation of CD36 expression. The results from the present study provide scientific evidence and may expand our armamentarium to use puerarin for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and atherosclerotic diseases.
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